By Jessthecat
United Kingdom 
I have a long established lilac tree near the front of my house. So far this year there is no sign of any leaves forming, it just looks brown and dead. As I've only just moved in I'm not sure if it should be leafing by now or if it's died off. Any advice gratefully accepted
20 Mar, 2016
Answers
Thank you Sheilabub, I'm heartened by your answer! I'm in Kent but it has been pretty cold and windy so I am now hopeful that it will soon get going. I'd hate for the other people in the road to think that the 'new woman' has killed the lilac tree!
20 Mar, 2016
Easy enough to tell, try the thumb nail test. Scratch a branch with your nail, removing the top surface of the bark. If it is green underneath then the branch is alive. If it is brown then go lower down the shrub until you find a green piece. Anything which is dead may be removed.
20 Mar, 2016
It's much too early. It will bloom when the weather turns consistently mild.
20 Mar, 2016
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It might depend in which part of the country you are. I'm in Hertfordshire, and tiny buds are only just forming on my lilacs. Hopefully you will soon see signs of life.
20 Mar, 2016